Chapter 86: What Do You Think, Mr. Maple?

The carriage rolled over the cobblestone road. The crimson under the wheels had faded, but the crimson on the edges of the wheels became increasingly vivid. The soldiers guarding the castle gate looked at the slowly approaching black carriage with both vigilance and fear.

Caw, caw.

With each caw of the ravens, the soldiers' hearts skipped a beat.

There was no obstruction.

Especially after Rick presented Grand Duke Gratz's invitation, all the soldiers breathed a sigh of relief, quickly lowered the drawbridge, and let the carriage pass.

"These are the guards of Hesetins' core district?"

"When I was a child, I heard more than once that the guards guarding the core district could kill a tiger with just a slide tackle."

Andy Nan was somewhat incredulous.

As a native of Hesetins, Andy Nan had heard rumors about the core district since he was a child.

Things like the wealth of the Lane royal family, the king's benevolence, the tight security, and so on were all familiar to him.

Especially the rumor that the guards were the elite of the elite.

The young man firmly believed it.

But now?

He was greatly disappointed.

"Perhaps the Lane royal family initially had such guards, but as time passed and the first generation of founding guards aged, how many of their descendants, who inherited noble titles, could still live up to their ancestors' honor?"

"Anyone can become lazy and enjoy comfort."

"You and I are the same."

Goethe, however, wasn't surprised.

In his hometown, there were plenty of examples of "a tiger father begetting a dog son."

He had long been accustomed to it.

"I might be, but Mr. Maple, you're different. You're the most diligent person I've ever met."

Andy Nan said, admiration in his eyes.

The young man wasn't flattering; he was speaking the truth.

During his time living at 11 Kimmel Street, the young man had a clear understanding of Goethe's schedule. Apart from necessary sleep, he was doing something every moment.

Either reading, writing, or practicing marksmanship.

Leisure time?

There was none.

He had never seen Mr. Maple engage in any recreational activities.

If it weren't for the previous rumors about the 'Summer Club', Andy Nan would only think that Mr. Maple was an ascetic monk.

Could it be...

Mr. Maple was seriously injured?

Subconsciously, the young man thought of something.

Goethe glanced at Andy Nan and immediately guessed that the young man was thinking in the wrong direction.

However, he didn't explain.

The more he explained such things, the more confusing it would become.

Just like he wouldn't tell Andy Nan that he was being threatened with death in the 'anchor world'. If he didn't quickly improve his strength in this 'secret realm'...

It would truly be a dead end.

Goethe glanced at the main quest.

[Wealth: 100/100]

[Fame: 62/100]

...

After Andy Nan fulfilled his promise, the [Wealth] column was already complete, and the [Fame] column, after pausing for a few days, started to skyrocket three days ago.

Even now, it was still increasing by 1 point every few hours.

However, it had slowed down.

Clearly, the chain reaction triggered by Devant's death was diminishing.

But the scene just now stimulated some people again.

On the journey from the castle district to the core district, his fame had already increased by 2 points.

And when the carriage stopped, it increased by another 2 points.

"Sir, we've arrived at the Grand Duke's mansion."

Rick's voice came.

Even though he tried his best to stay calm, Goethe could still hear the tremor in his voice.

The previous scene not only frightened the soldiers but also his coachman.

In fact, Goethe was already surprised that Rick could still drive the carriage.

However, looking at his pale face, Goethe knew that his coachman was reaching his limit.

"Rick, you can rest for a day."

Goethe said.

"No, sir."

"Please rest assured, I can persevere."

The coachman shook his head.

Even though he desperately wanted to leave right now, reason told him that if he didn't want to lose a big client like Mr. Maple, if he didn't want to lose his reputation as the best coachman of 'Simock Carriage Company', then he had to persevere.

As long as it wasn't death, he had to persevere!

Or rather...

Even if it meant death, he had to persevere!

Because he was no longer living for himself alone.

His parents, wife, and three children all relied on his salary to survive.

Faced with the coachman's insistence, Goethe didn't try to persuade him anymore.

Everyone had their own most difficult choices to make.

He turned and looked at the Grand Duke's butler, who was walking towards them briskly.

Gray hair, tailcoat, white gloves, black leather shoes.

Even when walking quickly, each step covered the same distance, and his face maintained a smile.

Chapter 86: What Do You Think, Mr. Maple?

The carriage rolled over the cobblestone road. The crimson under the wheels had faded, but the crimson on the edges of the wheels became increasingly vivid. The soldiers guarding the castle gate looked at the slowly approaching black carriage with both vigilance and fear.

Caw, caw.

With each caw of the ravens, the soldiers' hearts skipped a beat.

There was no obstruction.

Especially after Rick presented Grand Duke Gratz's invitation, all the soldiers breathed a sigh of relief, quickly lowered the drawbridge, and let the carriage pass.

"These are the guards of Hesetins' core district?"

"When I was a child, I heard more than once that the guards guarding the core district could kill a tiger with just a slide tackle."

Andy Nan was somewhat incredulous.

As a native of Hesetins, Andy Nan had heard rumors about the core district since he was a child. Things like the wealth of the Lane royal family, the king's benevolence, the tight security, and so on were all familiar to him. Especially the rumor that the guards were the elite of the elite. The young man firmly believed it.

But now?

He was greatly disappointed.

"Perhaps the Lane royal family initially had such guards, but as time passed and the first generation of founding guards aged, how many of their descendants, who inherited noble titles, could still live up to their ancestors' honor?"

"Anyone can become lazy and enjoy comfort."

"You and I are the same."

Goethe, however, wasn't surprised. In his hometown, there were plenty of examples of "a tiger father begetting a dog son." He had long been accustomed to it.

"I might be, but Mr. Maple, you're different. You're the most diligent person I've ever met."

Andy Nan said, admiration in his eyes. The young man wasn't flattering; he was speaking the truth. During his time living at 11 Kimmel Street, the young man had a clear understanding of Goethe's schedule. Apart from necessary sleep, he was doing something every moment. Either reading, writing, or practicing marksmanship. Leisure time? There was none. He had never seen Mr. Maple engage in any recreational activities. If it weren't for the previous rumors about the 'Summer Club', Andy Nan would only think that Mr. Maple was an ascetic monk.

Could it be... Mr. Maple was seriously injured? Subconsciously, the young man thought of something.

Goethe glanced at Andy Nan and immediately guessed that the young man was thinking in the wrong direction. However, he didn't explain. The more he explained such things, the more confusing it would become. Just like he wouldn't tell Andy Nan that he was being threatened with death in the 'anchor world'. If he didn't quickly improve his strength in this 'secret realm'... It would truly be a dead end.

Goethe glanced at the main quest.

[Wealth: 100/100]

[Fame: 62/100]

...

After Andy Nan fulfilled his promise, the [Wealth] column was already complete, and the [Fame] column, after pausing for a few days, started to skyrocket three days ago. Even now, it was still increasing by 1 point every few hours. However, it had slowed down. Clearly, the chain reaction triggered by Devant's death was diminishing. But the scene just now stimulated some people again. On the journey from the castle district to the core district, his fame had already increased by 2 points. And when the carriage stopped, it increased by another 2 points.

"Sir, we've arrived at the Grand Duke's mansion."

Rick's voice came. Even though he tried his best to stay calm, Goethe could still hear the tremor in his voice. The previous scene not only frightened the soldiers but also his coachman. In fact, Goethe was already surprised that Rick could still drive the carriage. However, looking at his pale face, Goethe knew that his coachman was reaching his limit.

"Rick, you can rest for a day."

Goethe said.

"No, sir."

"Please rest assured, I can persevere."

The coachman shook his head. Even though he desperately wanted to leave right now, reason told him that if he didn't want to lose a big client like Mr. Maple, if he didn't want to lose his reputation as the best coachman of 'Simock Carriage Company', then he had to persevere. As long as it wasn't death, he had to persevere! Or rather... Even if it meant death, he had to persevere! Because he was no longer living for himself alone. His parents, wife, and three children all relied on his salary to survive.

Faced with the coachman's insistence, Goethe didn't try to persuade him anymore. Everyone had their own most difficult choices to make.

He turned and looked at the Grand Duke's butler, who was walking towards them briskly. Gray hair, tailcoat, white gloves, black leather shoes. Even when walking quickly, each step covered the same distance, and his face maintained a smile.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Maple."

"Good afternoon, Young Master Andy Nan."

The old butler greeted them politely.

"Good afternoon."

Andy Nan responded, then looked curiously at the Grand Duke's mansion. Calling it a mansion was actually a bit of an exaggeration; it was just a remodeled corner of the castle. It was far from the grand, luxurious, and comfortable image he had in mind. Instead, it felt lifeless, even a bit chilly and damp.

The young man was a little disappointed. But what disappointed him even more were the old butler's following words.

"Young Master Andy Nan, please wait a moment. His Excellency will only see Mr. Maple now. I hope you won't blame His Excellency - he doesn't have much time each day."

The young man's eyes dimmed. But he immediately smiled and said, "Of course."

Andy Nan expressed his understanding.

Grand Duke Gratz, whose full name was Gratz Lane, was the younger brother of the current King Lane IX. But unlike his elder brother, who had been frail and sickly since childhood, Grand Duke Gratz was known for his bravery and martial prowess in his youth. There was even a story about him killing a wolf with a dagger. Although it was an injured lone wolf, it was still admirable.

As he grew older, Grand Duke Gratz's wisdom also began to show. The increasingly weak King Lane IX was relieved to delegate authority. Everyone knew that after the childless King Lane IX passed away, Grand Duke Gratz would inherit the throne and become Lane X.

Even now, before officially becoming Lane X, Grand Duke Gratz was already fulfilling some of the king's duties.

So, when Goethe met the Grand Duke, he was still working.

In the castle room, which needed candlelight even during the day, Grand Duke Gratz was wearing glasses and reviewing documents. When he saw his butler walk in with Goethe, he immediately made an apologetic gesture, signaling them to wait.

About five minutes later, the Grand Duke stood up from behind his desk.

"I apologize, Mr. Maple, for keeping you waiting."

Grand Duke Gratz walked over and extended his hand to Goethe.

Goethe raised his hand and shook it, feeling the calluses on the Grand Duke's palm.

These were calluses that could only be formed through long-term practice of swordsmanship and marksmanship. Coupled with his relatively burly physique, it was clear that the rumors from his early years had some credibility.

The Grand Duke had sharp facial features and deep-set eyes, but his gray hair was casually combed back, adding a touch of unruliness to his dignified appearance.

It made people feel good about him upon seeing him.

What made people feel even better was his straightforward behavior.

"Mr. Maple, Gratz the Elder and Gratz the Younger have caused you trouble."

"They always make me helpless."

"This is my apology. Please accept it."

As he spoke, the Grand Duke turned around and took a square box from his desk drawer, handing it to Goethe.

"'Dragon's Breath Technique'!"

"One of the 'Robert Family's' legacies."

"It was unintentionally obtained by the Lane royal family. I believe it should be returned to its rightful owner."

The Grand Duke said with a smile.

Goethe looked at Grand Duke Gratz in surprise.

"Don't worry, I really have no ill intentions."

"There are no traps in there either."

"I only hope for peace in Hesetins now. I wouldn't provoke someone like you for no reason."

The Grand Duke spoke as he opened the box, revealing the notes inside.

He even took the initiative to flip through the notes to reassure Goethe.

And when Goethe took the notes -

[Discovered secret technique 'Burning Hand', evaluating...]

[Possesses 'Heart' attribute, evaluation passed!]

[Mastered 'Tu Fu Yu (Basic)', evaluation passed!]

[Evaluation passed, can be learned using 'Bloody Honor']

...

"[Burning Hand]?"

Goethe looked at the information, frowning slightly.

It wasn't that Grand Duke Gratz was being deceitful, but Goethe realized it seemed to be an issue of terminology. It had happened with [Despondent Gaze] before. The supernatural beings in this 'secret realm' called [Despondent Gaze] 'Dragon's Might', while the text he could see displayed it as [Despondent Gaze]. The current [Burning Hand] was the same.

Looking at the text that appeared before him, Goethe felt an urge rising from within - he desperately wanted to click 'learn', then tell Grand Duke Gratz that he had already mastered the so-called 'Dragon's Breath Technique' and see if he could exchange it for another gift.

But in the end, Goethe didn't do it.

He couldn't violate his principles.

Some things could be done.

Some things absolutely couldn't be done.

This was what that kind old man told him back in his hometown.

Although Goethe had acted dismissive at the time, he had adhered to it in the days that followed.

As for why?

Goethe didn't know either.

Perhaps...

It made him seem more 'human'?

And that impulsive thought?

It was naturally unavoidable.

He was just a person with principles, not a saint.

He didn't know where it came from, but he attributed it to Master Lu, who once said: 'Judge by actions, not by intentions; judge by intentions, and no one is perfect.'

As long as he was human, that was enough.

A saint?

Impossible.

Seeing Goethe accept the gift, Grand Duke Gratz breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as he said, all he wanted now was peace in Hesetins.

If the 'Robert Family' heir, who possessed 'Dragon's Might', were to wreak havoc in the city, it would be too terrifying.

He didn't want to deal with such a troublesome existence while confronting those other people.

Moreover, he hoped to bring the other party to his side!

Thinking and acting, Grand Duke Gratz, who maintained a straightforward personality, immediately asked, "Mr. Maple, what do you think about the incident that happened in Hesetins?"

What do I think?

I'm watching it unfold!

Goethe couldn't help but complain inwardly.

He had no idea what had happened in Hesetins, but that didn't stop Goethe from furrowing his brow slightly, a complex expression appearing on his face.

Seeing Goethe's appearance, the Grand Duke immediately sighed.

"As expected, no one who possesses 'power' can ignore the name of His Majesty 'Modeus'!"

(End of Chapter)